ESPN Assigns the Dallas Mavericks a Modest B-Minus Grade for Their Overall Offseason Moves and Roster Decisions.
ESPN’s offseason grading system has long served as a barometer for how teams have fared in the often chaotic period of trades, signings, and draft picks that define the NBA summer. This year, the Dallas Mavericks were given a B-minus grade for their offseason activity, a mark that falls in the realm of “solid, but unspectacular.” While the team made a series of notable moves aimed at improving its roster and shoring up weaknesses from the previous season, the consensus from ESPN’s analysts appears to be that the Mavericks did enough to stay competitive, but perhaps not enough to make a dramatic leap forward.
The B-minus grade reflects the complexity of the Mavericks’ situation. Entering the offseason, Dallas was coming off a deep playoff run that took them all the way to the NBA Finals. While that success was a testament to the brilliance of Luka Dončić and the midseason addition of Kyrie Irving finally clicking, it also exposed areas where the team needed reinforcements. The Mavericks’ front office, led by general manager Nico Harrison and head coach Jason Kidd, approached the summer with clear objectives: improve depth, strengthen the frontcourt, and maintain flexibility for the future.
One of the key moves was the acquisition of veteran center Nerlens Noel, brought in to bolster a defense that struggled to control the paint in key stretches of the postseason. Noel, while not a flashy name, brings rim protection, energy, and experience—all of which the Mavericks hope will provide a stabilizing presence off the bench. This move was generally viewed as a low-risk, high-reward signing that fits a clear need, but it didn’t exactly move the needle in terms of transforming the team’s identity or trajectory.
In addition to Noel, Dallas made a modest investment in securing Derrick Jones Jr. on a longer-term deal after his strong contributions last season. Jones provided valuable minutes as a wing defender and transition threat. His re-signing was a logical step, especially considering how his athleticism and length complemented the team’s perimeter defense. ESPN praised this move as part of a larger strategy to retain chemistry and cohesion, though again, it was noted as more of a maintenance decision than a transformative one.
Another key factor in the B-minus evaluation was the team’s draft performance. With the 28th overall pick, the Mavericks selected an intriguing prospect in French wing Melvin Ajinça, a player known for his defensive upside and athletic frame. Though Ajinça is likely a longer-term project who may spend time developing in the G League or overseas, the pick was applauded for its potential value down the line. However, since he may not contribute immediately, it did little to improve the team’s short-term ceiling. ESPN’s experts noted that while the pick made sense within the Mavericks’ developmental philosophy, it didn’t provide the immediate impact some fans and observers were hoping for.
The team also chose to bring back veteran guard Tim Hardaway Jr. instead of moving him for cap space or future assets. This decision was somewhat polarizing. On one hand, Hardaway’s streaky shooting and defensive limitations have made him a target of criticism during stretches of underperformance. On the other hand, he has also been a reliable scorer off the bench and a respected presence in the locker room. ESPN’s panel appeared split on this move—some believed it was a prudent decision to maintain bench scoring, while others saw it as a missed opportunity to free up financial flexibility or inject new life into the rotation.
Perhaps the most significant move—or non-move, depending on one’s perspective—was the Mavericks’ failure to add another top-tier player to flank Dončić and Irving. Despite rumors linking the team to various high-profile targets, including potential trades for All-Star caliber forwards or defensive-minded wings, Dallas ultimately stood pat. This lack of a marquee addition was seen as a slight disappointment, particularly considering how close the team was to capturing a title last season. There was a feeling that this offseason might have been the time to go “all-in” and bring in one more difference-maker to solidify the Mavericks as a perennial title favorite.
Still, the front office’s restraint may be strategic. By not overcommitting to a short-term move that could jeopardize future flexibility, the Mavericks have kept themselves in a position to make a major addition down the road—possibly at the next trade deadline. ESPN acknowledged this line of thinking but emphasized that it’s a gamble. The Western Conference remains brutally competitive, and standing still, even slightly, could mean falling behind in the standings.
Continuity was another theme emphasized by the Mavericks this summer. The core of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving remains intact and enters the new season with greater familiarity and understanding. That pairing, which began as a speculative experiment, now appears to have genuine potential after showing signs of chemistry and unselfish play during the playoffs. ESPN’s analysts gave Dallas credit for fostering that relationship and building a system that allowed both stars to thrive without stepping on each other’s toes.
However, there are lingering concerns, particularly around the defensive end and overall consistency. While Dončić’s offensive genius is undeniable, his defensive lapses can be costly. Similarly, Irving, though immensely talented, has had a history of injury and off-court issues that can occasionally derail momentum. The Mavericks appear to be betting on internal growth, health, and stability—an approach that could pay dividends, or leave the team vulnerable if things don’t go as planned.
From a financial standpoint, the Mavericks navigated the offseason with relative discipline. They avoided handing out oversized contracts or engaging in bidding wars that could hamstring their future cap space. ESPN acknowledged this as a positive, noting that financial prudence is often undervalued in today’s star-driven league. However, that same cautiousness also contributed to the perception that Dallas didn’t do enough to take the next step.
Off the court, the Mavericks made headlines by naming Ethan Casson as their new team president. The former Timberwolves and Lynx CEO brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for innovative leadership. Though this move doesn’t impact the product on the floor immediately, ESPN included it in their evaluation as part of a broader shift in organizational culture. The front office appears more aligned and focused than in past years, which bodes well for long-term sustainability and success.
When comparing the Mavericks to other teams around the league, the B-minus grade places them in the upper-middle tier of offseason performers. They did not regress. They maintained most of their key contributors. They filled some gaps with smart, cost-effective moves. But they also did not leap forward in a dramatic or headline-grabbing way. In a summer where teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers made major moves, and where others like the Lakers and Celtics stayed aggressive, Dallas’ quieter approach drew mixed reviews.
Ultimately, ESPN’s grade reflects a balanced assessment of risk and reward. The Mavericks did enough to stay competitive and showed restraint that may benefit them in the long run. But in a league where standing still can feel like moving backward, especially with a generational star like Dončić on the roster, there’s pressure to strike while the window is open.
That pressure won’t go away as the regular season approaches. The Mavericks will be expected to contend again, and anything less than another deep playoff run will be scrutinized heavily. If the front office’s bet on continuity and incremental improvement pays off, the B-minus grade will look like an underestimation. If it doesn’t, critics may point to this offseason as a missed opportunity.
In the meantime, the Mavericks will enter training camp with stability, optimism, and plenty to prove. They may not have made the loudest moves, but in a league driven by nuance as much as spectacle, they believe their quiet confidence will carry them just as far. Time will tell whether ESPN’s assessment was fair—or merely a placeholder for something greater on the horizon.
